Meet cancer patient and writer, Liz. In her free time, you'll find Liz recording episodes for her podcasts, writing blogs for her website or creating some sort of art work from oil pastels or acrylic paint. Liz is excited to join the OneVillage community and share her story with other patients/caregivers in the hope of inspiring and motivating them to handle this disease with grace.
What was your cancer diagnosis and how was it discovered?
I found two lumps in my left breast and one lump in my underarm region. After an ultrasound scan, biopsy and PET CT scan I was confirmed to have Stage 2 breast cancer (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma) in October 2021.
What is the biggest piece of advice you have for newly diagnosed patients or supporters of newly diagnosed patients?
Cancer is NOT a death sentence. It is a renewed life contract. You need to be grateful for each day and live life to the fullest. The medical field has advanced with targeted therapies/ immunotherapy and no matter what stage you are in, there is hope.
What is the most important thing you have learned from your cancer experience?
Self care is so vital and most of the times, for the sake of family/career, we tend to overlook this. I finally learned to start taking care of myself before others. And, I keep away from negativity and always try to stay positive.
What was the most difficult aspect of organizing care / community?
Being in India, I had to first overcome the social stigma around cancer (going bald, undergoing mastectomy). I was forced to keep the diagnosis confidential as I did not want to be bombarded with sympathy and negativity from others in my community. So, for the initial few months I had to battle it alone until I found online support groups where I could finally connect with other survivors who provided me with immense love and support.
What are a few things that you couldn't live without during treatment?
I couldn't have made it so far without cancer support groups. I received so much support and got hold of a lot of useful information from the discussions that happened in these groups.
